What Happened in J&K's Poonch District? Four Killed in Tragic Bus Accident

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities and 42 injuries reported from a bus accident.
- Accident occurred near Ghani Mendhar.
- Immediate rescue operations launched by locals and authorities.
- Overspeeding and poor road conditions cited as major causes.
- Strict measures against traffic violations implemented by RTOs.
Jammu, May 6 (NationPress) In a devastating bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, four individuals lost their lives while 42 others sustained injuries on Tuesday.
According to officials, a bus carrying passengers encountered an accident close to Ghani Mendhar in Poonch.
“Two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in a hospital where they were transported for medical care.
“A swift relief and rescue operation commenced immediately following the accident news.
“Local residents initiated a rescue effort at the site, supported by police, the Indian Army, and CRPF personnel.
“Among those who tragically lost their lives was an Army personnel from the 41 Assam Rifles, identified as Abdul Majeed, son of Abdul Aziz, a resident of Ghani Mendhar,” officials reported.
“The bus was en route to Mendhar town from Ghani village when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall into a gorge. The police have begun their investigation into the incident,” officials added.
Factors such as overspeeding, overloading, road rage, and poor road conditions in the hilly areas of Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi, have contributed to these unfortunate road accidents.
Authorities in the traffic department have deployed special teams to monitor conditions primarily responsible for accidents, focusing on traffic violations.
The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have instituted strict penalties for offenders, including vehicle seizures, cancellation of registrations and driving licenses, and potential imprisonment for parents who permit minors to operate vehicles.
In the cities of Srinagar and Jammu, traffic authorities seized over 6,000 vehicles, including motorcycles and three-wheelers, in the past four months due to traffic rule breaches.
Alongside punitive actions, officials have initiated counseling for two-wheeler operators and, at certain locations, provided them with helmets to mitigate deaths resulting from head injuries.
Fuel stations across J&K have been instructed not to sell fuel to two-wheeler operators arriving without crash helmets.